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him, was said to be an honest man. However, the need to discuss any enterprise so hastily and so privately that one would come uninvited to a wedding woke a strong feeling of reserve in Ian. |
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"If you propose it, I might, indeed," he said courteously, "but do you not wish to hunt? We will be here some two weeks more. I would not wish to spoil your sport when there will be time enough for talk." |
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"I may be discourteous enough to come to your wedding without invitation," Oxford said with a smile, "but I am not so rude as to propose an enterprise of war in my unsuspecting host's home without his knowledge and permission. This hunt I will miss while I lay the matter before you. I am not so young anymore that a hunt is of prime importance. If you are willing, I will propose what I plan to those others we decide would be interested and benefit thereby. If you are not willing, that will end the matter. I will be only your guest." |
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Alinor cast a bright glance around the outer bailey and then up at the sky. Everything seemed to be perfect. The dogs were yelping with pleasure, straining at their leashes; the huntsmen seemed no less happy and eager. The weather was ideal. It had not rained at all in the past few days, and it had been cold enough so that the ground was hard. William of Pembroke was overseeing the distribution of boar spears and bellowing Alinor's guests into some form of order. Fortunately, he seemed willing enough to take charge. It was that aspect of the hunt which had troubled Alinor the most. She knew well what should be done, but she did not think the noble huntsmen would take pleasure in being ordered about by a woman. |
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As the party rode out over the drawbridge and quickened pace a little in the open, the tension of the responsible hostess oozed out of Alinor and a new tension began to build. This was far pleasanter, an exhilarating sense of anticipation of excitement and danger. The |
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